One big change in the world of poker that really sticks out for me is the amount of multi-tabling going on at the micro-stakes at some poker sites. I am talking about the 1c / 2c blind tables or maybe 2c / 4c here – who would have imagined 4 or 5 years ago that there would be people playing 10 to 12 of these games at once and taking the games very seriously too!
Sure, there is nothing wrong with learning the ropes and building a bankroll this way. I also happily accept that in a lower GDP country the amounts involved may feel a little higher than they do for an Englishman – however lets get real for a moment here, those stakes are supposed to be where we can mess around, learn the games and have a little fun!
So, for this post I will take the subject of which is the best poker site (or network!) for micro-stakes cash games from the perspective of recreational players rather than the grinders… those who want to learn with a smaller bankroll, or dip their toes into the online poker world without fear of getting burnt… Here are my picks for the best tiny stakes poker games online:
#1 – 888.com Poker
This is an easy top pick for me – not just because of the softness of the games either… With one of the longest standing brands around you will also have the benefit of knowing that your money is safe.
Here is why 888.com Poker is best for Micro-stakes players:
- Casino cross-over: The huge 888 Casino is owned by the same company who run the poker site, and many players cross over from the casino side to play multi-player poker for the same time. As you can imagine, these players are there to have fun, not to debate the finer points of online poker strategy… expect the games to be loose and wild as a result.
- Cool Software: For me, only Pokerstars have better software… and they suffer from being the home of hordes of 12 tabling grinders. 888 have excellent software which features 3d effects, optional webcam tables, private games… and it looks and plays great too.
- Promotions Designed For Smaller Stakes Players: While some other sites aim their promotions at higher stakes players, 888 look after the new guys too. Starting with a 100% to $400 matched welcome bonus (or $8 free from some countries), you will find that the benefits just keep on coming – check the 888.com website for the latest list of promotions and offers.
#2 – OnGame Poker Network
OnGame are a huge network of poker sites who pool their players, each member branding the software in its own way and then sharing the tables with other members. It is cross-over traffic which makes this site a super-strong recommendation – this time from Sports betting brands like Bwin and Betfair. With so many first time players hitting the tables, this network are a great place to learn the ropes of poker at the micro-stakes without getting your bankroll quickly decimated by the sharks.
My personal recommendation on the OnGame Poker network is Red Kings Poker. This site have been around for years and have been the backbone of the network. They offer a unique extra bonus, in addition to your choice of up to 6 welcome bonuses. The first time you get dealt the 2 red kings (so, king or hearts at the same time as the king of diamonds) in a cash game you trigger a $300 bonus! Even better news for Micro-stakes players if you lose the hand at showdown, the bonus goes up to $500!!
Click here to check out the awesome Red Kings Poker for yourself!
#3 – US Players Seeking Micro-Stakes Action
Readers from the US have a more limited choice. I am sticking with Carbon Poker on the Merge Network as the safest, coolest and most generous place to play – see my Merge Network Carbon Poker Review here for more info.